Rising temperatures and melting ice could prove to be an economic boon, thanks to the revitalization of a Soviet-era maritime shipping route.

WATERBURY, Vt., Jan. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Together, Starpath School of Navigation and Quark Expeditions will provide amateur and advanced sailors alike a unique opportunity to transit the Holy Grail of Arctic exploration while earning certification in several areas of navigation.

WATERBURY, Vt., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- When Quark Expeditions 2010 Arctic expedition cruise season comes to an end September 8, preparation for its history-making 20th anniversary season begins.

After reaching the second-lowest extent ever recorded last month, sea ice in the Arctic has begun to refreeze in the face of autumn temperatures, closing both the Northern Sea Route and the direct route through the Northwest Passage.